Playoff brackets
AFC Denver on bye; Buffalo v Jacksonville; Houston v Pittsburgh/Baltimore; LA Chargers v New England
NFC 1) Seattle on bye; San Francisco v Philadelphia; LA Rams v Cardinals; Green Bay v Chicago
And that is it, except one final knockout game between the Steelers and Ravens. Are you staying up? Enjoy the drama if you are but it is past my bed time as usual. Thanks everyone for joining me over the past few months. It has been wild, wonderful and completely knackering. So goodnight, but who knows we might run it back next week for the playoffs! Goodnight!
DENVER WIN THE ONE SEED!
(12-5) Buffalo Bills 35-8 New York Jets (3-14)
(11-6) Chicago Bears 16-19 Detroit Lions (9-8)
(14-3) Denver Broncos 19-3 Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
(3-14) Las Vegas Raiders 14-12 Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
(12-5) Los Angeles Rams 37-20 Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
(14-3) New England Patriots 38-10 Miami Dolphins (7-10)
(11-6) Philadelphia Eagles 17-24 Washington Commanders (5-12)
Denver seal top spot and a bye week in the playoffs with the easiest of wins over the Chargers. The defense had Trey Lance and company on toast.
Final scores: Chiefs 12-14 Raiders, Commanders 24-17 Eagles
The Raiders hold on to the No 1 pick in the draft thanks to the Giants winning earlier while the Commanders enjoy a win that forces the Eagles to pick up the No 3 seed for the playoffs. They welcome the 49ers to town next week.
Chargers 3-19 Broncos 1:02, 4th quarter
Poor Trey Lance, the lad is trying his best but just can’t fathom this Denver defense. He is averaging 2.9 yards per play. Gaaah.
Jets make history!
The New York Jets are the first team in NFL history since records began in 1933 to not record a single interception. It defies belief how this is even possible. Surely you would pick one off by accident, it happens all the time. Apparently not.
Final score: Lions 19-16 Bears
Detroit kick the walkoff field goal but Chicago need not worry as Philadelphia look set to lose to Washington. Chicago own the No 2 seed in the NFC and welcome Green Bay to Soldier Field.
Final score: Cardinals 20-37 Rams
LA score 21 unanswered points to finish this one in a whirlwind. The Rams take the fifth seed in the NFC and travel for a favourable matchup with the Panthers while the 49ers are bumped down to the six seed and head to Philadelphia as it stands.
Final score: Dolphins 10-38 Patriots
New England look locked for the No 2 seed as Denver have just kicked another field goal to lead 19-3 in Mile High. The Patriots will host the LA Chargers as it stands next week.
Final score: Jets 8-35 Bills
Buffalo are going to earn the six seed in the AFC and will head to Duval to face the Jaguars next week. That is going to be a cracker.
TOUCHDOWN! Commanders 24-17 Eagles 2:23, 4th quarter
J Johnson rush for one yard
The veteran/journeyman/greybeard Josh Johnson is delivering. Still plenty to go for the Eagles to comeback but what a day for the 39-year-old QB.
PICK! Lions 16-16 Bears 2:11, 4th quarter
Chicago record another pick to take their season tally to a ridiculous 23. They are driving as per usual with two minutes remaining and the game on the line. Not much at stake mind but it would be nice to earn the No 2 seed rather than have it handed to you.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 20-36 Rams 4:15, 4th quarter
M Stafford to C Parkinson for one yard
Sean McVay is back baby. And so is Matt Stafford with the goal line touchdown pass. The Rams are taking the fifth seed in the NFC.
SAFETY! Chiefs 6-11 Raiders 4:30, 4th quarter
Weird score alert! Shane Buechele takes a sack in the end zone for the Chiefs. Your guess is as good as mine. Raiders have teed off today with six sacks in total.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 8-35 Bills 7:33, 4th quarter
B Cook to A Beck for two yards
The comeback. IS. ON!
It's GOOD! Chargers 3-16 Broncos 11:45, 4th quarter
W Lutz 41 yard field goal
Points alert! After five possessions without any points Denver add a field goal to the … er … field goal they scored early in the third quarter. Bo Nix continues to struggle with 10/19 for 96 yards. That’s it.
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 16-16 Bears 5:25, 4th quarter
C Williams to C Loveland for one yard
Chicago tie it up after trailing 16-0. They convert another two-point try.
TOUCHDOWN! Commanders 17-17 Eagles 10:24, 4th quarter
J Johnson to J Bates for two yards
The NFL’s ultra journeyman levels this one too. Let’s go Josh!
Chargers 3-13 Broncos 13:20, 4th quarter
A drive ends in something other a punt as Denver record a sack/fumble and recover it. Nick Bonito ghosted in on Trey Lance and annihilated him.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 20-30 Rams 10:39, 4th quarter
M Stafford to T Higbee for 22 yards
Sky Sports are saying Matt Stafford deserves the MVP. I could not disagree more. The award should be for more than one-yard passes on the goal line a la Aaron Rodgers in his prime with the audible away from the run. Davante Adams is the real MVP.
Chargers 3-13 Broncos 13:45, 4th quarter
I’ll give you one guess as to what the Broncos have just done on offense.
Punt? Yep.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 0-35 Bills 12:05, 4th quarter
M Trubisky to T Johnson for six yards
Call it off. Mitch might get a starting job if this carries on any longer. Someone throw in the towel, quick!
TOUCHDOWN! Patriots 38-10 Dolphins 12:39, 4th quarter
T Henderson rush for two yards
New England are locked in as the No 2 seed in the AFC.
Chargers 3-13 Broncos 0:37, 3rd quarter
Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt. Punt.
LA punt it to Denver for the game’s 12th boot. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Updated
Chargers 3-13 Broncos 2:51, 3rd quarter
Another punt for Denver goes through the back of the end zone and brings out Trey Lance. On the opening play at the 20-yard line they gain seven on the ground through Kimani Vidal.
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 16-8 Bears 14:16, 3rd quarter
C Williams to J Walker for 25 yards
Kyle Monangai picks up the two-point conversion to make it a one-score game. Chicago need the win to get the No 2 seed as it stands.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 20-23 Rams 0:51, 3rd quarter
M Stafford to C Parkinson for 21 yards
LA retake the lead to leapfrog the 49ers into the 5 seed in the NFC.
TOUCHDOWN! Patriots 31-10 Dolphins 2:17, 3rd quarter
R Stevenson rush for 35 yards
New England have been dominating on the ground. Stevenson has an incredible 131 yards on just seven carries with two scores while TreVeyon Henderson has 51 yards on 11 carries and one touchdown. Even Drake Maye is averaging 8.3 yards per carry on four totes. Bull. Dozing.
I’ve got mail! And it concerns Washington’s quarterback Josh Johnson …
James Syme writes, “Josh Johnson is a 39-year-old journeyman who holds the record for having been a member of the most NFL teams (14). That doesn’t capture the full glory of his career, as he’s been signed to several teams multiple times, including four stints at the 49ers.
There’s a great anecdote about his first period at Washington: Johnson said that he played a Madden NFL video game to help learn the names of his new teammates.”
Gotta do, what you gotta do, James! And keep trucking Josh. I just expect Colt McCoy to be under center in these situations from now to eternity.
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TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 20-14 Rams 3:51, 3rd quarter
J Brissett to J Deguara for seven yards
Two touchdowns without reply forces the Rams down to the sixth seed as we stand with the 49ers popping up to fifth in the NFC. Another shocker in the works for the Rams potentially.
Updated
Firm but fair.
It’s GOOD! Chargers 3-13 Broncos 10:07, 3rd quarter
W Lutz 26 yard field goal
Now the Broncos are moving! Bo Nix finds Evan Engram with a deep ball for 37 yards that puts them on 1st and Goal. A stuffed run and two incompletions later and they chip the shot through the posts. A touch disappointing?
TOUCHDOWN! Commanders 10-14 Eagles 6:27, 3rd quarter
T Bigbsy rush for two yards
Philadelphia move into the No 2 seed after taking the lead pushing Chicago down to the No 3.
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 10-24 Patriots 7:30, 3rd quarter
D Maye to R Stevenson for 15 yards
New Engand applying the pressure if Denver continue to misfire at Mile High.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 0-29 Bills 7:46, 3rd quarter
M Trubisky to G Davis for two yards
I am reliably informed no team has ever not recorded at least one interception in an NFL season. The Jets are only a little over 22 minutes from pickless history!
Updated
Lions 13-0 Bears 7:45, 3rd quarter
In other struggling QB news, Caleb Williams is picked off by the Lions leaving Chicago’s hopes of the No 2 seed pinned on the Eagles losing to the Commanders. Williams is 9/17 for 66 yards and that pick.
Chargers 3-10 Broncos 14:08, 3rd quarter
LA’s defense keep rolling by forcing a three and out. Denver really struggling to move the ball. Bo Nix is 6/12 for 38 yards, no touchdowns and no picks. Ice cold.
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 13-16 Rams 10:38, 3rd quarter
J Brissett to M Wilson for 43 yards
Who else? Jacoby Brissett finds his favourite target with a long-range missile.
Half-time
New York Jets 0-21 Buffalo Bills
Detroit Lions 13-0 Chicago Bears
Los Angeles Chargers 3-10 Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs 3-6 Las Vegas Raiders
Arizona Cardinals 6-16 Los Angeles Rams
Miami Dolphins 10-17 New England Patriots
Washington Commanders 10-7 Philadelphia Eagles
In NFC seeding news, the Bears still own the No 2 as it stands with the Eagles losing while the Rams are on for No 5.
It’s GOOD! Chargers 3-10 Broncos, 0:03
C Dicker 30 yard field goal
The Chargers show some life. They will be quietly pleased with the finish after doing next to nothing leading up to their final drive of the half. A huge shock is still on the cards should LA’s defense keep stopping Denver. Three punts from the Broncos and a field goal the only points produced by the offense.
Updated
Just an average day for Puka Nacua. What a player.
Updated
Chargers 0-10 Broncos 0:06, 2nd quarter
Lance is almost picked several seconds after saying he was growing into the game. Next on 3rd and 10 the snap doesn’t come off in time so that is a delay of game penalty. A great throw and catch moves them into the red zone.
Chargers 0-10 Broncos 0:13, 2nd quarter
After looking totally inept Trey Lance has started moving the ball and the Chargers are inside the Broncos’ 30-yard line.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 0-21 Bills 3:33, 2nd quarter
M Trubisky to R Davis for two yards
TOUCHDOWN! Cardinals 6-13 Rams 1:22, 2nd quarter
M Stafford to P Nacua for two yards
The Rams back on track to end their two-game losing run. Matt Stafford will need to go a bit further to win the MVP award from Drake Maye. Brilliant one-handed grab from Puka Nacua.
Updated
Chargers 0-10 Broncos 5:55, 2nd quarter
Bad news for the Broncos. Starting left tackle Garrett Bolles is flat on his belly on the field and not moving. Could be an injury for Bo Nix’s chief protector.
Chiefs 3-3 Raiders 7:20, 2nd quarter
D Carlson 32 yard field goal
The Raiders tie it up but looking at the strenghts of schedule even a win keeps the top pick in the draft next year as the Giants were the only team that could beat them to it. As the Giants have already won that seals it for the Raiders. I think … Tell me I’m wrong and why if so hive mind!
Chargers 0-10 Broncos 7:01, 2nd quarter
Denver stack up a 65th sack of the season then force a 3rd and 16 with another fierce tackle. The noise is deafening in Mile High. Trey Lance dumps it short and they punt again.
Meanwhile the Chargers QBs have taken a ridiculous 57 sacks in total this season. 55 for Justin Herbert and two for Lance today.
TOUCHDOWN! Lions 13-0 Bears 4:47, 2nd quarter
J Goff to J Gibbs for 15 yards
Oh, now you score a touchdown! About a week late for my fantasy team who flamed out in my dynasty league final after Gibbs and St Brown laid giant eggs. Boooo.
Chargers 0-10 Broncos 10:25, 2nd quarter
Bo Nix likes a needlessly risky pass doesn’t he. Why bother shovelling an interceptable ball with zero chance of moving the chains? He could do with cutting out them out for the postseason. Punt.
TOUCHDOWN! Jets 0-14 Bills 11:43, 2nd quarter
T Johnson rush for six yards
TOUCHDOWN! Commanders 7-7 Eagles 9:03, 2nd quarter
T Scott rush for one yard
Meanwhile Tony Romo in the Denver commentary booth is talking on how open the AFC is despite everyone thinking the Chiefs would be a lock for the AFC championship game this year. You can feel what he is trying to say but it also just sounds like that that is what he does every year. Which of course he definitely does.
Chargers 0-10 Broncos 14:11, 2nd quarter
LA punt it away for a third time with the Chargers unable to find any traction on offense. Trey Lance is 1/7 for six yards and an interception with a QB rating of 0.0. Oooooooooooook.
Updated
That record sack from Myles Garrett.
TOUCHDOWN! Patriots 14-7 Dolphins 10:14, 2nd quarter
Q Ewers to M Washington for two yards
Game on!
Chiefs 3-0 Raiders 1:30, 1st quarter
Kenny Pickett has taken an absolutely giant sack from Noel Williams. Las Vegas on track to keep the top pick in the 2026 draft with a defeat today.
TOUCHDOWN! Commanders 0-7 Eagles 13:27, 2nd quarter
T McKee to G Calcaterra for 15 yards
Who?!
TOUCHDOWN! Patriots 14-0 Dolphins 0:00, 1st quarter
R Stevenson rush for two yards
New England rolling over Miami as expected.
PICK SIX! Chargers 0-10 Broncos 3:39, 1st quarter
J McMillian 45 yard interception return
The ball flashes of Lambert-Smith’s fingers and into the arms of the defender who races it back for the score. Long day ahead of Trey Lance to try and pull the Chargers back into contention.
Chargers 0-3 Broncs 5:06, 1st quarter
Will Lutz 24 yard field goal
Close to a nine-minute monster drive finishes with three points. Denver on the board.
Jets 7-0 Bills 7:38, 1st quarter
They are having fun in the Sky Sports studio wondering if the Jets can pull off a first interception of the season with Mitch Trubisky in at QB for the Bills. It is very possible. But for weirdnesses sake I really hope they don’t, any statisticians know the last team not to record a single pick in the regular season?
Chargers 0-0 Broncos 7:39, 1st quarter
Denver are running the ball down LA’s throats with 62 yards on the ground on their opening drive. 1st and 10 in the red zone.
Updated
A few more moments of love for Myles Garrett who sets the NFL record for sacks in season with 23. A legend in Cleveland cements his name in the history books.
garr
TOUCHDOWN! Dolphins 0-7 Patriots 13:14, 1st quarter
T Henderson rush for five yards
New England off to a flier as I was trying to steal a few minutes to eat some apple crumble! Not cool!
9.25pm preamble
Don’t move a muscle. Next we will be settling the destination of the No 1 seed in the AFC across seven more duels starting very soon at 3.25pm CST/4.25pm EST/9.25pm GMT:
(11-5) Buffalo Bills v New York Jets (3-13)
(11-5) Chicago Bears v Detroit Lions (8-8)
(13-3) Denver Broncos v Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
(2-14) Las Vegas Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)
(11-5) Los Angeles Rams v Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
(13-3) New England Patriots v Miami Dolphins (7-9)
(11-5) Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Commanders (4-12)
If the Broncos beat the Chargers they come out on top in the AFC but if they lose and the Patriots win then New England steal the crown. If both lose then the Jaguars earn the bye week! And breathe …
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Full time
(6-11) New Orleans Saints 17-19 Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
(5-12) Cleveland Browns 20-18 Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
(8-9) Indianapolis Colts 30-38 Houston Texans (12-5)
(3-14) Tennessee Titans 7-41 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
(9-7-1) Green Bay Packers 3-16 Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
(7-9-1) Dallas Cowboys 17-34 New York Giants (4-13)
TOUCHDOWN for the Texans as they seal the victory with a walkoff scoop and score after the Colts go lateral crazy and fumble.
Green Bay on the end of a Stone Cold Steve Austin today had me double take at their record against Minnesota’s. The Packers only get into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth in the end with the draw from earlier in the season the difference. And they looked so good at the start of the December. Things can change quickly with injuries in the NFL, hopefully starting QB Jordan Love is ready to go next week. And that’s the bottom line …
Updated
It’s GOOD! Colts 30-32 Texans 0:12, 4th quarter
K Fairbairn 43 yard field goal
A sixth field goal for the Texans edges them ahead again for what should be a final time.
Panthers win NFC South!!!
Final scores: Saints 17-19 Falcons, Cowboys 17-34 Giants
The Panthers are NFC South champions for the first time since 2015 after the Falcons win puts the Bucs, Panthers and Falcons all level on 8-9. Panthers win the very complicated tie-breaker. I promise. Keep pounding!
Updated
Saints 17-19 Falcons 1:09, 4th quarter
The Saints onside kick fails. Atlanta will close it out as New Orleans are out of timeouts. Tyler Shough is looking good for next season he finishes 23/35 for 259 yards, one touchdown, a pick and a rushing score.
TOUCHDOWN! Saints 17-19 Falcons 1:11, 4th quarter
T Shough to R Bell for 16 yards
WOW! Tyler Shough with an absolute beauty deep into the back left of the endzone but Ronnie Bell comes up with an even better one-handed grab to give the Saints a shot at the late comeback!
Colts 30-29 Texans 2:39, 4th quarter
B Grupe 22 yard field goal
The kicker chess match of the century just keeps going! Indy’s kicker has three boots while Kai Fairbairn has five for Houston.
Final score: Browns 20-18 Bengals
A Szmyt 49 yard field goal
The kicker hits the walkoff to tie a ribbon on an amazing day for Myles Garrett who has the regular season sack record with 23 after taking down Joe Burrow in the second half.
It’s GOOD! Saints 10-19 Falcons 2:51, 4th quarter
Z Gonzalez 38 yard field goal
Atlanta take out a two-score lead! Big comeback required for the Bucs to make the postseason.
Jacksonville win the AFC South!!!
Final score: Titans 7-41 Jaguars
The Jags stay in the race for the AFC No 1 seed. If the Patriots and Broncos lose later then the bye week is theirs.
PICK! Saints 10-16 Falcons 3:09, 4th quarter
Oh no! Tyler Shough is intercepted in the red zone and Dee Alford races Atlanta to New Orleans’ 30-yard line. Panthers fans will be dreaming of the playoffs, just three minutes to go until they claim the NFC South with a Falcons win.
Updated
Saints 10-16 Falcons 3:29, 4th quarter
New Orleans are in the red zone on 2nd and 7, Shough loops a long on but Ronny Bell is just overthrown. So close.
Final score: Packers 3-16 Vikings
Green Bay’s third-string QB Clayton Tune finishes 6/11 for 34 yards while being sacked four times. Ouch. All the backups in for the Packers roster understandably as they were already locked in for the NFC’s seventh seed.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 17-34 Giants 5:48, 4th quarter
D Singletary rush for six yards
The Giants are whipping up on their rivals now. What a finish after a difficult season.
Colts 27-29 Texans 11:15, 4th quarter
K Fairbairn 44 yard field goal
The kicker battle continues with the Texans retaking the lead for a third time.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 17-18 Bengals 1:29, 4th quarter
J Burrow to J Chase for four yards
Cincinnati take a lead! Good news for the Browns’ draft hopes as a defeat will move them up to the fifth pick with the Giants winning.
Saints 10-16 Falcons 6:42, 4th quarter
Chase Young continues to dominate with a tackle for a loss after a hospital pass to Bijan Robinson.
Saints 10-16 Falcons 8:11, 4th quarter
Atlanta are back on the ball after a Saints punt. Kyle Pitts moves the chains with a nice stutter step and stiff arm. The tight end gains 13 yards but on the following play Kirk Cousins is ROCKED by Chase Young for an eight-yard loss. 2nd and 18 on the way.
Final 15 minutes
New Orleans Saints 10-16 Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns 17-12 Cincinnati Bengals
Indianapolis Colts 27-26 Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans 7-41 Jacksonville Jaguars
Green Bay Packers 0-16 Minnesota Vikings
Dallas Cowboys 17-24 New York Giants
Here are your scores as we get stuck into the fourth quarters.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 7-41 Jaguars 7:28, 4th quarter
B Tuten rush for five yards
It’s GOOD! Colts 26-27 Texans 15:00, 4th quarter
B Grupe 39 yard field goal
Indy retake the lead! Nail-biter.
It’s GOOD! Saints 10-16 Falcons 10:43, 4th quarter
Zane Gonzalez 38 yard field goal
Atlanta fail on a second 3rd and long after Drake London almost makes an incredible grab for what would have been a touchdown.
Myles Garrett breaks NFL sack record
Cleveland’s pass rusher has the most dominant sack numbers in a single season after taking down Joe Burrow for his 23rd takedown of the year. Congratulations to the big man who is just one of the best to ever do it.
Updated
Saints 10-13 Falcons 12:55, 4th quarter
Atlanta pick up a big 1st down on 3rd with 10 yards to go. Darnell Mooney with some toe-drag swag to move the chains with 30-yards to go for the touchdown.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 17-24 Giants 14:57, 4th quarter
P Mafah rush for one yard
In more advert news, Tom Brady puts in an all-time shocker with his Pizza Hut spot. His “roughing the passer” line about as wooden as it gets after being sacked by an octogenarian. Sadly the ad isn’t on youtube yet so here is Donald Trump, feels like a natural progression.
It’s GOOD! Colts 24-26 Texans 6:53, 3rd quarter
K Fairbairn 43 yard field goal
The Texans retake the lead in this seesaw thriller that sadly has lost its edge with the Jaguars thrashing the Titans.
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NO TOUCHDOWN! Saints 10-13 Falcons 2:15, 3rd quarter
C Smyth 29 yard field goal
Tyler Shough tosses it away on 1st and Goal after the Falcons smell the screen and shut it down. On 2nd Audric Estime falls just short of the end zone. One yard to go but they fall short again! Huge 4th down now, they score on a short pass but Dante Pettis is pulled up for offensive pass interference. 11 yards to go on 4th down and they boot it through.
Colts 24-23 Texans 10:19, 3rd quarter
Houston have sensibly mothballed CJ Stroud with Jacksonville leading 34-7. Davis Mills is in at quarterback trying to retake the lead.
Philadelphia fans preparing for a date with Washington in a little while. I’m saying nothing …
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OK, I have just seen a trailer for a show called Best Medicine on the Atlanta Falcons broadcast. It screamed Doc Martin rip off and it turns out it is an official remake! “Critics are raving it is the feel good show of the year,” says our commentary team. Enjoy!
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It’s GOOD! Saints 7-13 Falcons 8:51, 3rd quarter
Z Gonzalez 51 yard field goal
The Saints chase down Kirk Cousins on 3rd down who has to just toss it away.
Saints 7-10 Falcons 9:04, 3rd quarter
Kirk Cousins has still got it. The veteran throws a perfect arcing spiral over Drake London who reaches up to the top shelf and comes down with the grab on the sideline. A lovely 37-yard gain leaves 33 yard to go for the score.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 24-23 Texans 13:05, 3rd quarter
R Leonard rush for one yard
The rookie balling out as he bundles over. A rushing score to add to his two passing touchdowns. Any Indy fans in the house? Should Riley Leonard have started the past three Philip Rivers did so and lost? This tiny sample size is too small for a real answer obviously but still very impressive against a fierce Texans defense.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 10-24 Giants 9:48, 3rd quarter
J Dart to T Tracy for 13 yards
The Giants will move out of the second overall pick in next year’s draft to pick seven as it stands. They go for two after a Dallas penalty and make it pay.
Saints 7-10 Falcons 11:20, 3rd quarter
Atlanta’s defense get nasty and sack Tyler Shough on successive plays to force the punt.
Saints 7-10 Falcons 14:11, 3rd quarter
With the AFC South wrapped up, let’s shine a light on the LOL bowl between the Saints and Falcons. The winner of which seals the NFC South for either the Panthers or Buccaneers. Falcons send the Panthers to the playoffs with a win and the Saints send the Bucs onward with the W.
Updated
The Jaguars are seriously flexing their muscles going into the playoffs. It has been a fantastic finish for them after an inconsistent start to the season that had them 5-4, they’ll be 13-4 in two quarters time. Hard not to look at Trevor Lawrence’s miraculous, and just a bit flukey, touchdown run that toppled the Chiefs back in October as a key moment in cementing their status as contenders.
Half-time
New Orleans Saints 7-10 Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland Browns 14-12 Cincinnati Bengals
Indianapolis Colts 17-20 Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans 7-31 Jacksonville Jaguars
Green Bay Packers 0-13 Minnesota Vikings
Dallas Cowboys 10-16 New York Giants
Houston are still out on the field with a few seconds left in field goal range … while as it stands the Jaguars will win the AFC South and stay in the race for the No 1 seed while the Panthers will just clinch the NFC South as the Falcons are beating the Saints.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 17-20 Texans 1:25, 2nd quarter
R Leonard to A Pierce for eight yards
Indy might be kicking themselves for not giving the rookie a go rather than Philip Rivers. Probably not though but Leonard rebounds from the strip sack with his second score to Alec Pierce.
It’s GOOD! Titans 7-31 Jaguars 0:00, 2nd quarter
C Little 67 yard field goal!!!!!!!
WHAT!? The second longest field goal in NFL History and it had loads of length still on it! The Jaguars are playing with their food and it is only half-time. Ridiculous.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 10-16 Giants 0:20, 2nd quarter
J Dart to D Bellinger for 29 yards
The G-men take a possibly unwanted lead that might move them out of the second overall draft pick as high as five or six. Jaxson Dart just evades the sack as he underhand flips the ball to Bellinger for the receiver to scamper home. Totally off script, no less effective mind.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 14-12 Bengals 0:18, 2nd quarter
J Burrow to T Higgins for 13 yards
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 7-28 Jaguars 1:56, 2nd quarter
T Lawrence to Q Morris for five yards
Insert stop kicking him, he’s already dead meme. The Jaguars are steamrolling the Titans with Trevor in the driving seat showing absolutely no mercy.
TOUCHDOWN! Saints 7-10 Falcons 4:31, 2nd quarter
T Shough rush for one yard
The rookie puts the Saints on the board with his third rushing touchdown of the year.
Titans 7-21 Jaguars 4:23, 2nd quarter
Trevor Lawrence is driving the Jags again with a nice 28-yard gain to Brenton Strange. The QB is 12/15 for 147 yards and two scores.
It’s GOOD! Saints 0-10 Falcons 9:54, 2nd quarter
Z Gonzalez 40 yard field goal
Amid all the AFC South drama, Atlanta have kicked a two-score lead. Panthers fans are purring even louder now.
PICK SIX! Titans 7-21 Jaguars 8:07, 2nd quarter
A Johnson interception return for 59 yards
The battle for the AFC South looks over already. The Jags reel off three scores without reply after Cam Ward exits with a shoulder injury and Brandon Allen coughs up the pick six.
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 10-20 Texans 8:32, 2nd quarter
CJ Stroud rush for two yards
Here the pass rush comes! The Texans sack Riley Leonard and recover the ball on the two yard line. The QB does the rest.
Titans 10-14 Jaguars 9:40, 2nd quarter
Tennessee move over midfield with a 21-yard gain from Brandon Allen to Chimere Dike. Can the backup keep this one going and tie it up?
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 10-13 Texans 9:34, 2nd quarter
CJ Stroud to J Higgins for 11 yards
The Texans take the lead to keep a bit of pressure on the Jags. Excellent play from Stroud as he rolls out to his left and waits to the last second to find his man on the sideline.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 14-6 Bengals 13:21, 2nd quarter
S Webb fumble recovery for 47 yards
Cleveland’s defense score again with a scoop and score after the pick six!
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 7-14 Jaguars 11:37, 2nd quarter
T Lawrence to B Strange for seven yards
Trevor is cooking now. An almost identical play to the first score has Strange in free space in the centre of the end zone with Lawrence finding him with ease.
TOUCHDOWN! Cowboys 10-6 Giants 0:29, 1st quarter
J Blue rush for 14 yards
The rookie running back scores on his first start of the season. Saving the best for last are they? Maybe more like kicking the tires on Blue before next season. They look solid so far, six carries for 53 yards and a score.
Saints 0-7 Falcons 1:13, 1st quarter
Juwan Johnson just casually pulling off an OBJ impression with an unbelievable one-handed grab for 28 yards.
It’s GOOD! Colts 10-6 Texans 0:34, 1st quarter
B Grupe 50 yard field goal
It’s GOOD! Cowboys 3-6 Giants 2:04, 1st quarter
B Sauls 35 yard field goal
Big shout out to Jadeveon Clowney whose sack forces the field goal. How is he only 32?! The evergreen defensive end will hopefully be back again next year. What a career he has had.
TOUCHDOWN! Saints 0-7 Falcons 3:02, 1st quarter
K Cousins to D London for 15 yards
Ooh if the Saints are happy to leave Drake London wide open in the end zone then they are going to be punished. Panthers fans rejoice!
PICK SIX! Browns 7-6 Bengals 0:56, 1st quarter
D Bush 97-yard interception return
Myles Garrett turns blocker to lead the Devin Bush almost the entire length of the field for the score.
Titans 7-7 Jaguars 4:38, 1st quarter
Cam Ward is questionable to return with a shoulder injury for the Titans. Branden Allen in at QB. Let’s see how this goes. Big shame considering how good Ward’s touchdown drive was.
It’s GOOD! Colts 7-6 Texans 6:36, 1st quarter
K Fairbairnn 48 yard field goal
The kicker boots his second of the day through the posts.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 7-7 Jaguars 6:02, 1st quarter
T Lawrence to P Washington for 23 yards
The golden-haired gunslinger throws a beauty across the front of the endzone that leads Parker Washington out from the defender to make the grab. Washington has to leap for it but hangs on. Poetry in motion.
TOUCHDOWN! Browns 0-6 Bengals 7:51, 1st quarter
J Burrow to C Brown for four yards
TOUCHDOWN! Colts 3-7 Texans 10:36, 1st quarter
R Leonard to A Pierce for 66 yards
So much for that Texans defense. The rookie smokes the secondary with a bomb to Alec Pierce.
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Saints 0-0 Falcons 8:07, 1st quarter
Bad news for Panthers fans … Kirk Cousins has just been picked off.
TOUCHDOWN! Titans 7-0 Jaguars 10:58, 1st quarter
C Ward rush for seven yards
Incredible start for the Titans. Ward stomps down the field and finishes the drive off in style. He reads the defense like a book, takes off and smashes over near the right sideline. Texans fans will be thrilled. Long way to go mind.
Titans 0-0 Jaguars 10:16, 1st quarter
Even better for Tennessee they are in the red zone after a 39-yard pickup from Elic Ayomanor on a lovely deep ball from Cam Ward. 1st and Goal on the way.
It’s GOOD! Colts 0-3 Texans 12:05, 1st quarter
K Fairbaird 51 yard field goal
Houston on the board as the kicker makes the long-ranger look like a chip shot. As per usual.
Browns 0-0 Bengals 12:38, 1st quarter
After two weeks of swinging and missing, Myles Garrett is still looking for the NFL regular season sack record. He needs just one of Joe Burrow to break it today. The defensive end has 11 takedowns of Burrow in his career so should be feeling good about making history.
Titans 0-0 Jaguars 13:40, 1st quarter
On 2nd down Lawrence throws it in the dirt and shakes his head. 3rd and 28 … the quarterback drops back and is almost sacked and picked off!!! Not the start the Jaguars wanted. Punt on the way.
Titans 0-0 Jaguars 14:14, 1st quarter
We are underway in Duuuuuuval. Trevor Lawrence is under center and takes a huge sack on the first play! Speared from behind. Ouch.
Rookie Riley Leonard is making his first start today for the Colts against the Texans who own one of, if not the most brutal defense in the NFL. Good luck to the young warrior.
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As we near the start of the playoffs, it feels right to look back at the highlights and some lowlights across this wild season. The key moments that have led us to what feels like one of the most wide-open postseason brackets maybe … ever? You could make a case for almost every team making the Super Bowl.
But before we crown the Jacksonville Jaguars as victors of SB60 (what?!) let’s enjoy this crazy game-changing play from Tampa Bay’s linebacker Lavonte David whose interception helped set up a 38-35 last-gasp comeback win for the Bucs over the mighty Seahawks in a week five shootout for the ages.
Send me your favourite moments, I’ll bang them up for everyone to enjoy!
Preamble
Hello everyone, that bittersweet time of the season has come at last where we say goodbye to the regular season. Why it seems like only yesterday the Bills were roaring back from a 40-25 deficit (they’ve been quite good at roaring back this year) to beat the Ravens by a single point in September. Time certainly flies. Hopefully we have an equally exciting bookend to match today across six early games starting at 12pm CST/1pm EST/6pm GMT:
(6-10) New Orleans Saints v Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
(4-12) Cleveland Browns v Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)
(8-8) Indianapolis Colts v Houston Texans (11-5)
(3-13) Tennessee Titans v Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
(9-6-1) Green Bay Packers v Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
(7-8-1) Dallas Cowboys v New York Giants (3-13)
What is left still to contend for? There is a hugely impactful matchup going down in Atlanta that will decide the outcome of the NFC South … finally. It certainly feels very on brand for the winner to be decided by the outcome of a match featuring neither the Panthers (8-9) or Buccaneers (8-9) after both have thrown chances away to claim it outright. If the Falcons beat the Saints then the Panthers advance to the playoffs and if the Saints win or there is a tie then the Bucs progress.
Elsewhere the Jaguars need to win to the clinch the AFC South and stay in the hunt for the No 1 seed. The Texans will be praying they do the opposite so they can steal the division crown with a win over the Colts if the Jags lose.
Then later we have seven more matches that will decide the destination of that No 1 seed for good. Here we go!
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